Nigeria’s drive toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing advanced on Tuesday as DICON Gray Insignia Ltd (DGI), a strategic partner of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), unveiled an indigenous tactical shotgun platform designed to support evolving state-backed security operations across the country.
The development comes amid increased investments by state governments in forest guards, vigilante formations, civilian protection units and other community-based security structures established to complement conventional security agencies in addressing rising insecurity.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Bem Ibrahim Garba, said the platform was developed to respond to the operational demands of security personnel working in rural communities, forest belts, farming areas and critical infrastructure corridors.
DGI said the initiative marks a further step in strengthening Nigeria’s domestic defence manufacturing capacity while reducing dependence on imported military and security equipment.
The company explained that the platform is intended for use by government-approved security formations, including Civilian Joint Task Forces (CJTF), forest guards, community protection units, critical infrastructure protection teams and other authorised local security outfits.
According to the statement, the growing reliance on community-based security actors has created an urgent need for equipment that is durable, locally supportable and adaptable to Nigeria’s operating environment.
“Security effectiveness is not simply about equipment. It is about providing a complete capability that includes training, maintenance support, responsible deployment and long-term sustainability,” the statement read.
Beyond equipment production, DGI said it has also developed a structured training and capacity-building programme aimed at improving professionalism and operational discipline among security operatives.
The programme covers weapons handling and safety, tactical marksmanship, armourer training, instructor development, leadership courses, protective security operations and range management. The company said the training will be delivered by former military, intelligence and security professionals with field experience.
Security and industry analysts note that Nigeria’s expanding security needs present an opportunity to deepen local defence production, generate skilled employment and retain technical expertise within the country’s industrial ecosystem.
They also argue that indigenous manufacturing could help reduce recurring challenges associated with imported defence equipment, including procurement delays, maintenance difficulties and foreign exchange pressures.
The partnership between DGI and DICON is widely seen as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s defence-industrial base through collaboration between public institutions and private sector innovators.
As state governments scale up investments in community security structures, access to locally manufactured and locally supported equipment is increasingly being viewed as essential to sustainable security operations.
DGI said it is currently engaging state governments, policymakers and security stakeholders nationwide to demonstrate the potential of indigenous defence solutions in improving security outcomes while supporting industrial development.
Observers say the unveiling reflects a gradual shift in Nigeria’s security approach, with increasing emphasis not only on immediate operational response but also on building domestic capacity for long-term defence sustainability.
With security challenges persisting in several regions, the role of local defence manufacturers is expected to remain a central topic in ongoing debates on how best to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
